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When dogs don’t listen to our commands, it can put them in harm’s way. Here are a few tips to help Fido follow your cues.
It isn’t only annoying when your dog doesn’t listen to you—it can be dangerous in some cases, such as if he runs into a busy street. To help keep your companion out of harm’s way, it is important to train him to listen to your commands. Here are a few tips that can help:
Speak his language. Dogs are great communicators, but our four-legged friends rely heavily on body language. Follow suit and use visual commands to help your canine companion to understand what you are asking him to do. You can do this by using a hand motion or body gesture that accompanies a verbal command during training. If your dog has already mastered a command and is not listening to you, check your own body language to be sure you are not doing something differently, such as sitting or holding an object, that may be obscuring the command.
Be consistent. If you are trying to train your dog to wait at a door and enter behind you, it is important that all members of your family practice this policy. Without consistency, your pet will be confused about what you are asking him to do. Likewise, be sure all family members use the same verbal and visual cues to signal the same commands.
Expel excess energy. Training a dog to follow new commands is challenging under any circumstances, but can be especially frustrating when your pet has a wealth of pent-up energy. Take him for a walk or play a game before practicing a new command. Pets with excessive energy are more easily distracted from performing commands they already know, too, so be sure to build daily time for movement into you and your dog’s routine.
Read the room. Excess energy is not the only problem that can prevent your pet from learning and following commands. Pets will often ignore our cues if they are scared, anxious or otherwise upset. Be sure to practice new tricks in a quiet setting help reduce frustration and allow your dog to focus on the task at hand. Once he has mastered a trick in a controlled setting, he is more likely to follow your command even in a disordered scene, helping prevent him from engaging in a fight with another dog, running into oncoming traffic, or otherwise acting in a way that puts him or others at risk.
Oral hygiene is often overlooked when it comes to canine health, but a few preventative measures can help your dog live a longer life.
Dog’s mouths may be cleaner than humans’, but that doesn’t mean our pets are immune to problems from plaque buildup and dental decay. Left unchecked, oral disease can wreak serious havoc on your pet’s health, but preventative measures can help keep your veterinary bills low and ensure your companion lives a longer, healthier life.
Oral hygiene affects more than your dog’s dental health. In addition to chronic pain that dental disease causes pets, buildup of bacterial in the mouth can lead to more serious and even life-threatening conditions if left untreated. Infections of the mouth can enter the bloodstream, leading to heart, kidney or liver disease. These problems are easily preventable with some simple measures, such as brushing your dog’s teeth and routine veterinary check-ups and cleanings.
One of the best ways to maintain Fido’s oral health is to regularly brush his teeth. This may sound excessive to pet parents not familiar with the practice, but cleaning your dog’s teeth a few times a week takes only minutes and can help him live a longer life. Most pets find tooth brushing off-putting at first, so it is best to start brushing your dog’s teeth from an early age, if possible. Start by choosing a time when you can make brushing his teeth part of your dog’s regular routine, such as after a frequent trip to the dog park, when your pet will be well exercised and easier to handle. Start slowly, even if it is just for a few second, and build to brushing Fido’s entire mouth over time. Speak in a soothing tone and remember to reward your pet with a treat to make the experience pleasant for your booth, and soon tooth brushing will be just another part of your pet’s day. Try to brush his teeth at least a few times per week.
To help keep your companion’s teeth squeaky clean, you can also invest in chew toys and dry dog food that help remove plaque and tartar between cleanings. Crunchy kibbles, raw hide bones and other chew toys designed to help remove buildup around the teeth can help curb bacterial growth that can lead to gum disease and dental decay. Though these are effective measures to help to keep Fido’s mouth healthy, they are no replacement for professional cleanings, so be sure to complete your companion’s dental care routine with regular visits to your veterinarian’s office. Your vet should perform a dental exam during your dog’s annual check-ups, allowing him to catch and dental disease early. He should also perform a full cleaning, addressing hard-to-remove plaque and tartar build-up. This helps prevent potentially painful and costly health problems down the road, leading to a longer and healthier life for your pet.
Every pet parent wants his dog to thrive well into his senior years. Here are five tips to help your companion live a long and healthy life.
We all love our canine companions and want to help them live long and happy lives. Here are a few tips to help Fido thrive into his senior years:
1. Feed him right. Studies have shown that overweight dogs are more likely to develop heart disease and joint problems as they age, so feeding Fido the right amount of high-quality dog food is key to helping him live a longer life. Research labels carefully and buy only foods that have been through feeding trials and include whole ingredients, rather than “fillers.” As a guide, you should be able to feel your dog’s ribs easily, but no sharp edges of his rib cage protruding, when he is a healthy weight. Adjust his diet accordingly, and your pet is likely to live a longer, more active life.
2. Exercise together. Not only does exercise lower stress, but it also increases endorphins and helps balance mood—in people and dogs alike. Be sure to cater exercise routines to your pet’s individual needs, which will vary depending on his breed, age and physical fitness. You can take your dog on walks or let him roam leash-free at the dog park to ensure gets plenty of daily physical activity. Some dogs also benefit from agility training or nosework, which challenges Fido both physical and mentally while strengthening the bond you share with your pet.
3. Stimulate his mind. Just like humans, your dog thrives when given plenty of mental stimulation. Bored pets can develop depression or anxiety, which can lead to stress and lower life expectancies. In addition to training your dog and maintaining his repertoire of tricks, you can fuel his mind with regular socialization such as at the dog park, or training such as agility training. Mentally stimulating games such as nosework also keep Fido’s brain fit while boosting the bond you share.
4. Brush his teeth. Many pet parents overlook dental hygiene when caring for dogs, but brushing Fido’s teeth can prevent infections that can lead to serious health problems down the road. In addition to regular tooth brushing, you can keep your dog’s mouth in good shape with dental treats and regular check-ups at the vet.
5. Shower him with love. Dogs strive to please us and feeling like a part of the family can improve Fido’s mental wellbeing and reduce stress. Canines are pack animals, after all, and it is important for your companion to feel like an important part of your social group. Give him attention daily to show your dog he is truly part of your family
